Homeowners Association Board Has Job To Do

March 14, 1998

As past president of a homeowners association, serving my neighbors for three years, it is appropriate to respond to the writer who thinks board members are too strict. Directors of homeowner associations are required by the governing documents to enforce every rule and regulation those documents contain.

Failure to enforce those documents uniformly and consistently places those directors in jeopardy of legal action. This does not mean that directors cannot be courteous and reasonable. They should be. We use the expression ``serving on the board'' and therein is the essence of the matter.

Directors of homeowner associations serve at the pleasure of the people, not as rulers but as keepers of the documents. Why would anyone move into an association if they did not intend to follow the rules? For those not caring about the aesthetics and other benefits provided by associations, there are neighborhoods with no controls over how one keeps their property.

Personally, I want the value of my property maintained, want it clean, want the landscaping kept up and demand that the directors of my association do their job and enforce every rule and regulations in our documents.

When a rule is impractical or not in the interests of homeowners, there is a mechanism to change those rules. There is also a mechanism for the election of directors, so make sure you attend meetings and speak out if you believe there are wrongs being perpetrated against residents.

Finally, instead of complaining, get on the board and start serving your community.